The Abia State Government through the State Civil Service Commission, on Thursday inaugurated 811 newly recruited health professionals, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the state’s healthcare system through strategic investment in human capital.

The newly recruited personnel include nurses, doctors, medical laboratory scientists, pharmacists, dentists, dental therapists and dental technologists.

Speaking during their orientation programme at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs auditorium in Umuahia, the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Dr. Eno Jerry Eze, said Governor Alex Otti‘s administration believes that investing in quality healthcare is critical to building a strong economy.

She recalled the governor’s position that “healthcare is not a privilege but a right,” stressing that government remains committed to making healthcare affordable, accessible and of high quality.

Addressing the new employees, Eze said they were not merely government workers but frontline defenders of life entrusted with improving the health and well-being of Abia residents.

She explained that, in line with Governor Otti’s directive, the recruitment exercise was competency-based and conducted using modern human resource management tools, irrespective of applicants’ states of origin.

“We recruited qualified professionals from Enugu, Anambra, Gombe, Rivers, Ebonyi and Ogun states. We also established a talent database of candidates who passed the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and were found suitable during the interview process.

“As vacancies arise, we will recruit from this database, thereby ensuring continuity, transparency and fairness,” she said.

The newly recruited health workers received orientation on the Civil Service Rules, Code of Conduct, Scheme of Service and Career Structure, ongoing civil service reforms, SERVICOM standards, service delivery expectations within the public healthcare system and financial regulations applicable to health institutions.

The sessions were facilitated by the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere; commissioners of the Civil Service Commission; permanent secretaries; the Director of the State Orientation Agency, Mrs. Urenna Abazie; and other senior government officials.

Eze urged the workers to uphold five core values—integrity, professionalism, respect, compassion and patriotism—in the discharge of their duties.

She assured them that the commission would remain committed to fairness in promotions, discipline and career development.

“There is a clear career progression for you from Salary Grade Level 08 to Grade Level 17, with opportunities for study leave, sabbaticals and placement in specialist cadres,” she said.

She further encouraged the health workers to shun absenteeism, embrace teamwork, uphold professional ethics and contribute meaningfully to Governor Otti’s vision of building a new Abia State.

The state government, however, warned that any of the newly recruited health workers found guilty of professional misconduct or any other form of indiscipline would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the public service rules.